Skip to main content

Printing with Curator Print Server (Mac & Windows)

The Curator Print Server connects your Curator Live app to any supported photo printer via Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet, or Cloud.

Looking for the easiest way to print? Try USB Direct Printing — plug your iPad straight into your DNP or Citizen printer, no Print Server needed.

The Curator Print Server is the best option for wireless printing on a local network, printing via Ethernet or Cloud, or for printers not yet supported by USB Direct.

Once set up, the Curator Live app automatically detects the Print Server — no in-app configuration needed.

This guide covers installation, configuration, and the available connection methods: Wireless, USB Wired, Ethernet, and Cloud.


✅ Step 1: Install Printer Drivers

Before installing the Curator Print Server, make sure your printer drivers are installed and your printer is recognized by your computer.

  1. Install your printer's official drivers — visit your printer manufacturer's website to download the latest version (DNP, Mitsubishi, Citizen, Hiti, Sinfonia, etc.).

  2. Connect your printer to the computer via USB.

  3. Print a test page to confirm it's working.

💡 The Print Server relies on the operating system's printer list — your printer must be installed and recognized before continuing.


🖥️ Step 2: (Windows only) Install Apple Devices & Bonjour

To ensure the Print Server connects quickly and reliably on Windows, install both of the following:

Once both are installed, you're ready to move on to Step 3.


Step 3: Install the Curator Print Server & Reboot

  1. Download the installer for your operating system:

  2. Open the file and follow the on-screen prompts.

  3. Once installed, reboot your computer.

⚠️ Reboot required for Print Server to work.

If you see DLL errors on Windows, update via: Visual C++ Redistributables


⚙️ Step 4: Open the Print Server & Select Your Printer

After rebooting, reopen the Curator Print Server:

  1. Go to the Printers tab in the left menu.

  2. Select your connected printer from the list.

That's it for the computer side — you're ready to connect.


📱 Step 5: Connect & Run Your Event

  1. Open the Curator Live app on your iPad or iPhone and start your event.

  2. Your device will automatically appear in the Print Server — this means it's connected.

  3. Run your event and print!

💡 If your device doesn't appear, open the Setup & Health tab in the Print Server to check your Network Profile, Firewall permissions, and Ethernet setup all in one place.


🖨️ Configure Print Sizes (Only if Needed)

If your prints are not coming out correctly, go to the Printers tab in the Print Server and click the ⚙️ Gear icon beside your connected printer to configure supported print sizes.

Example: If your printer supports both 4×6 and 6×4, set each one separately. PR print options should be set to Portrait. The rest are landscape. For Photo Strips, enable the 2-inch cut option in the same settings.


🌐 Connection Methods

The Curator Print Server supports three connection methods — choose the one that works best for your setup:

1. Local Network Connection (Wi-Fi)

  • Both the iPad (running Curator Live) and the computer (running Print Server) must be on the same private Wi-Fi network.

  • The app will auto-detect the Print Server and you'll see a message confirming the connection.

  • Ensure no network firewalls block communication between devices.

2. USB Direct Connection or Ethernet (Recommended)

  • Connect your iPad/iPhone directly to the computer via a USB cable.

  • The Print Server and Curator Live app automatically detect each other.

  • This is the most reliable and fastest connection method — ideal for events.

  • No network setup required.

3. Cloud Connection

  • Log into the Curator Print Server using your Curator Live account credentials.

  • Click + Add Event and select the event you want to print from.

  • Set a sync time.

  • Useful for remote printing or when devices aren't on the same network.

  • Prints occur after files upload from the iOS device to your account and sync back down to the Print Server.

  • Works seamlessly with AI photos and other post-processed images.

⚠️ Cloud prints may not be instantaneous. Photos are printed once the upload completes.


🧾 Notes & Tips

  • 🔧 Use the Setup & Health tab in the Print Server to quickly diagnose connection issues — it checks your Network Profile, Firewall permissions, and Ethernet setup at a glance.

  • If prints aren't showing up, ensure:

    • Both devices are on the same private network (if not using USB).

    • Your device is visible under the Devices tab in the Print Server.

    • You selected the correct printer in the Printers tab.

    • Your printer is turned on and connected to your computer.

    • Your firewall isn't blocking local traffic.

  • AI photos and processed images print automatically when available, or can be manually printed from the Print Server interface.

  • ✨ Works with the new MacBook Neo.


If you experience issues or need additional setup guidance, reach out via chat and we're happy to schedule a call or walk you through installation.

Did this answer your question?